Celebrating Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay: A Literary Icon

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay: A Literary Icon

The family of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay recently acknowledged the Prime Minister's initiative to celebrate the 150th anniversary of India's national song, 'Vande Mataram.' This recognition highlights the enduring impact of his contributions to literature and nationalism in India.

Early Life and Education

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was born on June 27, 1838, in Kantalpara, located in the 24 Paraganas District of Bengal. He hailed from a family of a British government official and became one of the first graduates of the University of Calcutta. He later pursued a law degree, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.

Literary Journey

Chattopadhyay began his literary journey with poetry before transitioning to fiction. His first notable work, 'Durgeshnandini,' was published in 1865, marking the start of his influence on Bengali literature. He authored several acclaimed novels, including:

• Kapalkundala (1866)
• Mrinalini (1869)
• Vishbriksha (1873)
• Chandrasekhar (1877)
• Rajani (1877)
• Rajsimha (1881)
• Devi Chaudhurani (1884)

His most celebrated novel, 'Anand Math' (1882), is set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century. This work is particularly significant as it features the song 'Vande Mataram,' which would later be embraced as India's national song.

Vande Mataram: A Symbol of Nationalism

'Vande Mataram,' originally composed in Sanskrit, was first sung publicly by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at the Kolkata session of the Indian National Congress in 1896. This patriotic anthem was officially recognized as the national song by India's Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, solidifying its place in India's cultural heritage.

Legacy and Influence

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay passed away on April 8, 1894, but his literary legacy continues to resonate in India. His works played a crucial role in shaping modern Bengali prose and fostering a sense of emerging Indian nationalism. Through his novels and poems, he inspired future generations to express their cultural identity and patriotism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay known for?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is renowned for writing 'Vande Mataram,' India's national song, and for his significant contributions to Bengali literature and nationalism.

Q2. When was 'Vande Mataram' adopted as the national song?
Answer: 'Vande Mataram' was officially adopted as India's national song by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, highlighting its patriotic significance.

Q3. What was the significance of 'Anand Math'?
Answer: 'Anand Math' is significant for its depiction of the Sannyasi Rebellion and for introducing 'Vande Mataram,' which became a symbol of Indian nationalism and resistance.

Q4. Who first sang 'Vande Mataram' in public?
Answer: Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore first sang 'Vande Mataram' publicly at the Kolkata session of the Indian National Congress in 1896, marking a historic moment in Indian culture.

Q5. What impact did Chattopadhyay have on Bengali literature?
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay greatly impacted Bengali literature by modernizing prose and inspiring a sense of nationalism through his diverse literary works.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Who is the author of 'Vande Mataram'?
A) Rabindranath Tagore
B) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
C) Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
D) Michael Madhusudan Dutta
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: In which novel was 'Vande Mataram' first included?
A) Kapalkundala
B) Anand Math
C) Durgeshnandini
D) Mrinalini
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: When did Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay pass away?
A) 1896
B) 1900
C) 1894
D) 1882
Correct Answer: C